Gerhardt Gallagher ‘Bequest’ and Mór Artists Collective ‘Beneath the Layers’ at Old Market House Arts Centre Dungarvan
The Old Market House Arts Centre Dungarvan was delighted to welcome a full house of visitors, artists, family and friends for the reception of two significant exhibitions being held over the weekend.
Mór Artists Collective, ‘Beneath the Layer’ and ‘Gerhardt Gallagher: Bequest’, an exhibition featuring works recently donated to Waterford by this prolific Waterford-born artist, was officially opened by Cllr. Damien Geoghegan, Leas Cathaoirleach of the Dungarvan-Lismore Municipal District.
Forester and artist Gerhardt Gallagher, who died on 2nd May 2024, was born in Waterford City in 1936. His father, Roland, a dentist, fought in the War of Independence and Irish Civil War, while his mother, Lisa, witnessed the rise of fascism in her native Germany.
In 1939, Gerhardt and his younger brother Leonard were separated from Lisa, pushed through the window of a packed train attempting to leave wartime Germany. Lisa finally boarded, finding them, but for those hours Gerhardt thought he’d never see her again.
From childhood, Gerhardt had two passions: nature and art. He spent hours at Waterford Docks, sketching boats, waves and seabirds. Having attended De La Salle College he went on to study art in Waterford, NCAD and later in Airfield House and Black Church Print Studios, Dublin.
A renowned and dedicated Forester, Gerhardt’s visual art practice spanned over six decades, ranging from large scale abstract paintings, exquisite prints and drawings to detailed studies of nature – in particular his beloved trees.
His works can be found in the collections of the Arts Council, Waterford Art College, RTÉ and the Office of Public Works. Gerhardt’s parents, Roland and Lisa Gallagher were also instrumental in the establishment of the Waterford Municipal Art Collection.
Gerhardt’s final decade brought challenges, chiefly the loss of his beloved wife Miriam in 2018. Though deeply concerned by climate catastrophe and the polarised stasis that had gripped Irish forestry, his passions for nature, science, art, politics and philosophy never faltered.
Waterford City and County Council is grateful for the generosity of Gerhardt and his family in donating this work to Waterford.
Also featured in the Old Market House Arts Centre is the ‘Mór Artists Collective: Beneath the Layers’ exhibition inspired by one of Ireland’s most unique and notably rich historical resources – The Fota House Wallpaper Collection. Developed in partnership with Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens, over 30 of the 48-member collective of artists across East Cork and West Waterford have responded in diverse media including painting, written work, collage, sound installation and more.
Mór Artists Collective is an artists-led membership organisation for artists living and working professionally in the visual, performing and literary arts in rural East Cork and West Waterford and is facilitated by Greywood Arts and supported by Cork County Council and Waterford County & City Arts offices.
Both exhibitions continue at the Old Market House, Dungarvan until the end of September.
